WHEN PAIN KNOCKS...

Written by: Fortune Onyema

PREFACE

Right there, at that time of life and death, Isabella was to remember her moment of truth....

Or rather, untruth. At that time, it hadn't seemed important. Sophia's life was much more to be taken conscious of, and anything that would deteriorate her health should be cancelled. Afterall, Julienne wasn't that bad, she had saved Sophia from getting any further injury at highway, donated her blood, cared for Isabella all through her convalescence, in fact, Julienne was a friend indeed. So promising to be faithful to her as the one and only best friend she would ever have, Isabella agreed to Sophia's request mainly out of emotional stress. Sophia was only asking for her happiness and joy anyway. But little did she know that behind this so-called perfect friend as Julienne might be in the eyes of Sophia was a devil incarnate, a witch, her own tragedy, her own disaster, she was when pain knocked....

PART ONE: ISABELLA

CHAPTER ONE: In the beginning

Saturdays were always spectacular, St. Ethel made this so. The town was forever bright and beautiful whenever it was Saturday. Whether it was about the brilliant postcard blue sky overhead with wowing clouds engraved with a silver lining, or the early chilly breeze that brought a relief to the merciless summer heat, making grasses which were properly carved and flowers that fenced many buildings dance leisurely to the lullaby of the early chilly breeze. It raved the hairs of tourists and stole their wigs, making big trees bow for them to pass. Yes, it was cloudy, except for the awaken sun that battled with the clouds to stretch its sleepy pink fingers to the earth. Well, it was the kind of day Italians loved to boast about, the perfect definition of wow. But like a bird chirping away bits of time, Isabella De Luca was walled up with the windows of her room, it had been a fabulous view of St. Ethel, and even far to the hills up, which were beginning to show the first gold and bronze tinges of autumn color. She couldn't miss the dawn like yesterday, nor her early morning scan of St. Ethel. Simply checking what was added or subtracted, Isabella looked quite exhausted as a sigh of relief escaped her lips.

But St. Ethel was the very epitome of beauty, and that could not be overemphasized. There was the cherry blossom trees; the perfect spot for lovers, it was once an avenue for a wedding reception, because the beauty was exceptional. With phenomenal trees joining together to form a curve at the end like partners that prevented the sun from roasting the pedestrians, many couples had had their honeymoon there, even proposals. The shade was just wowing, and the light the trees brought was magnificent. This was actually the best sightseeing place that introduced St. Ethel, their welcoming gift to all tourists and pedestrians, they loved the cherry blossom trees. Truly, St. Ethel was one of the best towns in the Naples, it brought life, harmony and beauty which was their catchphrase.

They were many modern buildings in the town, but only one caught the beauty. It was Isabella's home, a complete a glass and granite duplex. With lawns properly carved and the flowers that fenced the entire compound danced leisurely to the tune produced by the breeze that blew fervently across the garden. Like a castle, or a chateau, the building was one of a kind, with many rooms. But above and beyond, the De Luca's family galloped courageous in the high city of fortune, with their house that almost cost the earth.

Suddenly, steam clouded the windows of Isabella's room and she took that as a sign to step down. Thrusting her feet into one of her home slippers, Isabella yawned and closed her eyes, rubbing her temples which were beginning to throb out of the excessive work at school. She clumped the staircase that leaded to the sitting room, taken by a sweet aroma. Yet Isabella managed to greet one of their house helpers and asked about Nanny Theresa. She was home today, and was arranging the things at the visitor's room, someone was coming later.

"So she isn't cooking?" Isabella paused to the charwoman in flowered housedress who was holding a mop stick in her hand.

"Go see for yourself, ma'am"

Nanny Theresa was their weekly house-keeper, a fully gray-haired woman in flowered housedress too, she was called Granny because of her old age, and more a lot because of her wise sayings. But apart from that, Nanny Theresa was actually the best cook in the house, and she went as far as being the best cook to inspire Isabella every day. She was a great source of motivation and inspiration to her, always giving her advice with those words of wisdom, even after Isabella finally found a best friend. But Nanny Theresa was whole lot like a mother to the De Lucas', especially to Isabella. She saw her as a soothsayer, or a fortuneteller.

Isabella got to the dinette only to be greeted with a shocker; Lucia De Luca was making breakfast. It was weird but wonderful, another sign of a controlled anger problem. It was like a feast, her favorite was there, dad's favorite was there, and mom's favorite was there, even spaghetti! How it curled up in the white bowl on the glass table like a meander in the… Holy cow! – Desserts too? Granny couldn't make this. Isabella was dumbfounded, it seemed like a fantasy, nay, a fairy-tale, nay, a daydream, nay, Christmas!

She looked up to her mother; a middle-aged woman who was undeniably good-looking. With an auburn perm hair that ended after her ears where large studs of golden earring hung, glistening when she moved her head. And her elegant red velvet dress partly covered with the peach cooking apron, the black peep-top stilettos, her normal makeup in which pride and egoism were the main part, Lucia gave the appearance of a burly queen without flaws. There were laugh wrinkles around her very blue eyes, and under even brows, they were large, hazel maybe or gray. Her skin was like glass; light, flawless and fleshly. Lucia was a mannequin then in her early twenties, a fashion goddess. She won the beauty contest three consecutive times, but her age made her back down on modeling into banking. Yet nothing changed, she was still the curvaceous and elegant termagant who knew on which side her bread was buttered. Everyone also knew how bossy and dogmatic she was, a real sophist, more a lot like a hot-tempered martinet. But on the other hand, Lucia was obviously chubby, busty and huge, like the breadwinner compared to Francisco.

Lucia seemed quite grateful Isabella woke up securely unlike her first son Gabby, the ten-year-old boy who died of a scandalous sickness five years ago, immediately he woke up from slumber. It after the night party, Gabby came home hale and hearty. But waking up from sleep, he began to have this funny feeling in his stomach, and before they knew what was going on, he vomited everything he had the last night. Then Lucia rushed him to hospital after he collapsed. The doctor confirmed that he was poisoned, a drink-poisoning, which affected his whole system, and finally, he pronounced his death. It was like a gunshot on Francisco ears, and an atomic bomb in Lucia heart, she knew it her enemies at work. Yet this charismatic woman couldn't get over his death, it was so sudden and mysterious. But when tragedy truly struck the De Lucas' family was when Hannah died.

Lucia took in again and gave birth to non-identical twins, where Isabella was the first. But as if Gabby's death was not enough, someone came in the hospital and pilfered one, Hannah. Till date, the news of a missing child was everywhere, especially because of Francisco. He went out his way to spread fliers and posters, and as a commissioner, the chance of getting Hannah back was high. But all in all, they couldn't find the baby. Their little hope was just in the heart-shaped mark Nanny Theresa gave the twins, but with time, Hannah became dead to them. And that was how Lucia's kindness became dead to the world. She grew into a dinosaur whenever her temper rose, it was very close to the boiling point.

Isabella sat down, ready to wolf down the whole food, but until the last bowl was dropped, she didn't touch the food. It was a complete Italian breakfast, Lucia's special. With all the classes of food arranged in an impeccable order, the breakfast looked like a banquet. But it was not just any normal one, it was highly nutritious, like an apple pie order, the perfect definition of wow.

Francisco was still in the dressing room, taking more than the normal time to come out, and Lucia was really feeling it. She had something to tell her husband and the breakfast she knew would help the busy man listen to her even this once. So with the time he was wasting, Lucia had the idea of making a good coffee for him because she knew Francisco was quite a coffee drinker.

Finally, a gentle-looking man with broad shoulders and a tousled thatch of graying black hair strode in his neat uniform, with a badge of the highest rank in the police authority, obviously a commissioner. His peaked cap was unseen, but his handsomeness was extremely seen. He was stubble, expression tan, and his lean face was very pleasant. When he removed his reading glasses, Isabella saw the eyes. Like a shining armor representing the sculpture of hope and peace, they were of doves within its locks, washed with milk. But those tousled thatch of hair made him look quite unusual today. Because he would always march as a deeply tanned police officer, with stylishly groomed dark hair and neatly trimmed mustached. As Lucia was a model, Francisco was also a model, but of integrity and hard work, which appeared to others so eventfully and meaningfully. He was such a workaholic, but as well an Adonis, an Apollo. With his Adam apple, blue calm eyes, a tan complexion, lean, athletic, a dream husband figure. And despite how much fans and followers he had, Francisco was still a very diligent citizen, on his integrity, thousands of people got good employment. Fortune smiled on him as his police work made him decently cool, keeping well his high reputation in the Naples and beyond. He was known as an altruist, a humanitarian, the very celebrity of assiduousness.

Francisco was back from the long summer holiday which he spent with researches and studying without anyone disturbing him. And now he was back on harness and the saddle, saying goodbye to sitting around doing nothing, and welcoming the aura of hard work. This alone gave him the aspect of a high-energized workaholic, but almost hen-pecked.

"Good morning dad" Isabella with food in her mouth tried out greeting. But this wasn't her normal greet, she would always run into the arms of her father upon the wings of excitement, especially when she couldn't see him last night. And until she felt every strand of his beard irritating her skin before she would release him. But nowadays, just a simple Italian greeting would do, yet she was too hooked up with her favorites even for the simple Italian greeting.

Francisco was too wowed with the early morning surprise that he almost forgot about Isabella, Lucia prepared the whole food? It was like a daydream, a woman that would just wake up and leave before anyone knew. She took a day-off, even so!

"Good morning, coffee?" Lucia's voice was calm, soft, wowing – because she naturally commanded, with an aggressive tone. But today, it was bye-bye old Lucia, and hello new Lucia. Francisco was flabbergasted, he could still remember the last time she turned into a dinosaur because of little stuff. They'd clashed countless times, and nothing seemed to match their perspectives together. But the last almost made Francisco regret marrying Lucia, it was only the thought of his daughter that made him smile, that was the only good news Lucia had brought. But the daily motivational books and audio he brought for her truly worked, she had completely turned into a new person, within just a few days.

Suddenly, Lucia realized his hair was scattered and decided to give a helping hand. But this gave Francisco goose bumps, he had chills, it was just too good to be true. If it was a dream, then he wished to continue sleeping.

"Thanks" Francisco grabbed the tea, but unfortunately he didn't have the appetite to eat any food, it was wrong timing. All the work and problems in the station had completely taken him far away.

"But it's still early. I mean, today's Saturday, the perfect day for a stroll, sightseeing. We do have lots of place here in the Naples" Mercy really had marked this day for reunion, but Francisco was just too busy. Then she started calling names of places before Isabella added and she beckoned.

"I'm sorry, I've to get to the station a.s.a.p. I'm afraid I can't take a day off, maybe next time"

"You won't even take breakfast?" Lucia was already boiling, if it was her former self, the whole dinette would have turned into a big mess. With Jennifer crying on the floor as the food went spilled on the upside down table – lying at sixes and sevens, and Francisco with a d'oh expression, with Lucia saying this kind of words, "Its unheard of, that a man can't spend at least thirty minutes with his family on breakfast and you call yourself the breadwinner? Not everything is about work and money, there is also joy in spending time with your loved ones. - Except we don't mean anything to you anymore. I have tried my best trying to put things in order but you just complicate it back" but thank goodness she'd changed. The situation was still with a heart, although Lucia wouldn't take the fact that none of her plans worked – even after preparing everyone's favorite.

"Papa, you can't just leave. At least take breakfast, isn't it obvious that mom wants to tell you something" Isabella dimpled a soft smile in a simple voice, trying persuade her dad not to leave mom disappointed, she wouldn't know what to do today that she won't be going to school. It would be deadly awkward, not just for the sake of their family bond, but for everyone's peace of mind.

"I'm afraid, I can't. My apologies, till there is time" Francis just didn't get it, it was yesterday they ended the holiday, and throughout that time, no one thought of bonding, he had to get things in the hid at work. So as he slammed the door, Lucia slammed her eyes too, taking down everything. Then she wore back her shining face and ate breakfast. But just after the two spoons, Isabella stood up. She was done, though the desserts bowl was still full.

"You don't wanna eat desserts? Look, there is some banana bread"

"No thanks" Isabella was formal, she couldn't afford to sit back and watched Lucia get angry. The last time she did that, she almost fell sick.

"Why does everyone today say no?" Lucia was outraged. "You know today is Saturday, so what's your wish for the day. I can be your jinni, but it's just one wish" Lucia looked her in the eye with a sense of humor and Isabella laughed drastically, calming her nerves.

"the museum?" Surprisingly, these words were echoed by Isabella and her mother, they spoke it together, and Isabella increased her laughter. But at that moment, she found her mom lovely, the exact person her heart had been crying for, someone she was free to say anything to. It was not what she was thinking of all these time, there were still some traces of love in her, it was just covered with sorrows then. But what about spending hours with her, it would be magnificent. So upon the wings of enthusiasm and her usual excitement, Isabella flew to prepare after giving her mom a big hug and a sunshine smile. Yes, it was uncomfortable, her welcoming arms still felt absurd, like a strangers'. But time healed all wounds, according to Granny.

Because Lucia they said was a very temperamental and dogmatic woman, an Amazon. She learned to be a misanthropist after all the tragedy that had happened. But the root of it was in her early twenties. Years back, Lucia's father was a well-known affluent man. He was so rich that his name went from the Naples and beyond. John Velasquez had so many companies, banks, and orphanages – because as much as he was wealthy, he was also very generous and sociable, a great philanthropist. He gave at least 99% of his fortune to charity and made so many foundations for the less privileged as well. And he swam in the oceans of wealth, had a good reputation and a family he loved.

But John had an enemy, his elder brother. The man was so jealous of him that he became a crime boss, on the mission to destroy his own flesh and blood. Anyway, John's lifestyle was a type that many people envied. But only Gabriel with an evil eye dared to take all the fortune away from him. And this was not only the thing he tried snatching away from his brother. He also had lust for Martha, John's wife, and wanted her as his own wife. So one day, Martha fell into his bait, and he raped her. But this was two years after the birth of Lucia. John, hearing on this felt extremely mad at his brother that he sowed discord with him and hated him to the core that he vowed never to help him with anything. But when Martha gave birth to Marmalade, John took her as his own, and loved her.

There came a day he decided to travel overseas for a business trip. Martha had died then, and Gabriel was just released from prison. Then, Lucia was twenty, and she begged him not to go. She knew really well about the evil eyes seeking for his death and was scared that she might lose her papa like Martha on her way to China. Also, Gabriel had advanced with bodies, he embarked on his lifetime mission and even had more reasons to destroy his brother. He wanted to take revenge on John for making him suffer in jail and taking his own child, Marmalade. Truly, he was a dare devil and cut-throat. John stayed for the week, due to Lucia's insistence. And throughout, he tried to make it up to the girls, he spoiled them with money and they felt like a happy family. But little did they know that they would never see their father again, and that was his last days on earth. Because as at next week, John travelled only to be poisoned with a food. It was Gabriel's bodies, they planned on poisoning him since the plane crash did not work. Finally, John passed away.

Lucia was furious, she hated humanity to the extent of regretting being a human. She tried several attempts to kill herself, but Marmalade stopped her, it was too disgusting wearing human flesh. It was as if her world went crashing down on her, because losing her papa was like losing her only best friend. Nothing was as painful as that. And in as much as knowing her father's death made her enraged, she was more furious with the cause. Word went round that was Gabriel, news flew that he poisoned him through his bodies. This time it was not just years' imprisonment but a death sentence, because how can his own elder brother kill him? It was maddening to everyone, especially to Lucia who punished herself no food and sleep for days. Nothing had prepared her for the tragedy that waited. She gradually became hot-tempered and eradicated any iota of goodness to the world. Because what she thought would be the return of her kindness was misery. And this went as far as affecting her character ecologically, she turned into something else, developed an anger problem that even made her lose her modeling career. But she debated that it was her age that made her back down on modeling. Lucia became the direct opposite of her father, although this did not affect her relationship with Marmalade, her step sister. Marmalade was so unhappy and ashamed of her father that she never for once called him dad nor attend his funeral, it was what he deserved anyway. But slowly, Lucia began sow discord between Marmalade, her love for her began to ebb away, she was the daughter of the one who killed her father anyway, nothing should bring them together. She began to reason in that sphere. That afterall, it was Gabriel's blood that ran through her veins, if not for John who told her before he left that she should always treat Marmalade well and be good to her. Also, Marmalade was well reserved, and showed respect to Lucia knowing fully well of where she belonged. So when the inheritance was fast approaching, Lucia shared it with Marmalade but took more since she was perfectly the heir apparel to the heritage. Well, Marmalade didn't complain. The few companies and orphanages under her name was just enough because it was only Martha that even made her have a say in it.

So this was the root of Lucia's anger problem, since it was because of John's philanthropic that made him die, Lucia became a real misanthropist, she didn't have any best friend, only her childhood friend, Elena. But this anger problem grew worse after the death of Gabby and the loss of Hannah. This was the foundation of everything, how Isabella became scared of her mom, how Francisco always clashed with her, it drastically reduced their relationship, including the fact that Lucia always leaved early and came back late. Isabella was uncomfortable around her mother, she instead preferred Nanny Theresa more a lot like her mother. If not for Francisco whom Isabella saw as her second best friend, she was so close to him that she teased him sometimes. And when Lucia began to realize how far Isabella was to her, she became jealous, of both Nanny Theresa, and Francisco De Luca. Because even her relationship with her husband was bad.

But this was nothing compared to what Lucia felt on the thirteenth birthday of Isabella. Mothers were invited, friends, loved ones, relatives, but most were from the husband's side. It was only Elena that called all of her friends and Isabella's friends were as well invited. Then after the cutting of the cake, the photos, the singing, eating and dancing, it was time for the vote of thanks and celebrant speech. So Isabella came to thank everyone that supported this day and those that kept on inspiring her. She mentioned her dad, Nanny Theresa, her friends from school, and everyone was expecting her to mention Lucia. But because of how bad their relationship was, Isabella didn't get the touch of calling her mother too. It was a very big embarrassment because Lucia was already standing, waiting to hear her name and come forward to collect the hug. But no one mentioned her name, it was like "Oh no". Lucia was already blistering in anger, she thought Isabella did it intentionally. But just not to create a scene, she ran upstairs to hide her pain. From this day, Lucia was moved to read one of the motivational books stored up in her shelf, Francisco had removed all the magazines and publications already. So Lucia calmed down, not just as a banker, or an employer, or a wife, or a mother, but also as a person. Just the way she learned how to hate humanity, she began to see the good side of people.

Just a few stuffs in her backpack, and touch of lip gloss, nay, lipstick. Isabella sat at the mirror, studying her reflection, she tried to get satisfied with her looks. Basically, Isabella was a priceless jewel, she won the most beautiful teen tournament last two years, when her mom was still a supermodel. Because such was her beauty which drove men bananas, and others wondering for days. She was like a princess born of a mermaid. The sunshine of her smile was like an angel wishing people goodwill, it brought hearts together. Those eyes, gosh, they were of doves within its locks, washed with milk – it was like two baked sunbeams. Shaded with thick long eyelashes that moved sharply in their sockets, it brought out incessant natural beauty – with the temples like a piece of pomegranate….. Such lips were like a thread of scarlet, or lilies, dropping as the honeycomb, it soft and supple, tempting for a thousand kisses. And the sunshine smile, purified with her deep dimples and the gaped-teeth, Isabella was not just the queen of beauty but also the quintessence of attraction, way too natural. Because not even the best plastic surgeon could make out this beauty, it was simply outstanding. There showed the teeth, they looked perfectly like a flock of sheep which were even shorn, that came out from washing. Everyone bore twins and none were barren except for the open-teethed. Her hair was raven black, long and hypnotic. It fell from the center part of her head, forming a curve just below the end of her neck. Although her ears were naked, and hands weren't handcuffed with studs of gold, Isabella had this luxurious luminous appearance. She was like an angel from heaven, or like the sugar plum princess, nay, like the sunrise, or the rainbow, or a mermaid, it was more than just beauty. And it went deeper from her flawlessly light skin into her heart, they were golden, made out of goodness and simplicity. Her breasts were like two young rose, twins that fed among the lilies, resembling clusters of vine.

Isabella for the first time tried out a few cosmetics to please her mother, she was also dressed in an unusual clothing to please Lucia, afterall it was her best day, and her jinni had granted her number one wish. Because it had always been like a consuetude to the De Lucas', going to museum every Saturday. Although this wasn't frequent anymore, the De Lucas' normally respected Saturday for seeing the portraits. They all loved painting, especially Isabella, she once won an award for the best artist of the year when she did a landscape drawing at school, it was fascinating, exclusively to their teacher. Isabella loved painting so much that her room was filled with all her works, and some sort of girlie stuffs. No doubt, painting was her hubby, especially when she could really get messy, not just a talent. But her dream was to become a lawyer, similar to her father.

Walking to the sitting room, Isabella bounced with a tinge of excitement, she was too happy that she suddenly stepped towards the door but at that instant, the doorbell rang. It first that came to her mind was the mailman, but what if it was one of her mom's friend, they usually visited her when it was Saturday, and when she took a day off. And if that happened, the visit to the museum would be postponed. Oh no, Isabella was confused whether to get the door or just ignore the person, maybe the person would leave after sometime. But it sounded urgent as the person continued to ring the bell. Isabella mustered courage and went to get the door after Lucia's voice. She opened it only to be shocked with the sight of Julienne.

Julienne was pretty not encouraging, in fact her expression was threatening. But for a fourteen-year-old girl, Julienne was quite a Lilliputian. She had a remarkable hard feature and a forbidding aspect, whether it was about her stature which was so low as to be an ankle biter. Though her head and face were large and high enough for the body of a giant, or her black wide eyes which was the perfect replica of evil. It shone with inner fire, the fire of revenge and hunger for blood which had scorched her lips and the heat of experiencing the pain of poverty had burnt and blackened her face. Those eyes were like two baked opaque, restless, sly and cunning. Plus a mouth and chin bristly with the smile of coarse, and her complexion was one of that kind which never looked clean or wholesome. There were scars and marks on her face, directly from the thousands of beating her mother had done to change her. But it was a wild goose chase, all in vain, because Julienne managed to combine the odd mesh of vivacity and mendacity which made her seemed like a Falstaffian. But what added most to the grotesque expression of her face was the ghastly smile, appearing to be the mere result of habit, and to have connection with any malicious and mirthful feeling, constantly revealed the few discolored fangs that were yet scattered in her mouth, giving her the aspect of a panting dog. She had her hair cut short and straight right upon her temples, always tied with a brown handkerchief. Julienne as well was obese, boyish and pretentious, there was a nasty streak in her character; it sucked. Also, pride had always being an important part of her makeup. Her hands which were rough and dirty, fingernails crooked, long and yellow, still, Isabella considered her beautiful. Not just skin-deep but also deep inside, because there was this supernatural connection she had with Julienne, right from childhood.

But with blood stains in her Irish-knitted dress, and on her hands, eyes that looked like a tragedy already, and the whole grotesque expression, Isabella was on tenterhooks. She couldn't find her voice for a moment, her throat felt tight and sore. Julienne's face was ashen, giving her a haunted look. And staring at her from deep hallows, her eyes were full of fear. She quickly snapped her fingers to awaken her spirit, both of them were lost in thought. Julienne wanted to say something that her mouth was leaking to say, but with the anxiety in mind of what would happen in future, she sighed. Seeing that Isabella was already dressed in a gorgeous attire, and how hasty she looked with the sense that she should hurry up before Lucia come and see them together again, Julienne spoke up – the reason why she came out of the blue, uninformed. But before she dropped the last sentence, Isabella almost dropped dead. She screamed and ran to call her mother. And sooner than later, they were at the hospital.